Strategies & Information:

Work or volunteer in healthcare and medical settings during summers and breaks.

Shadow nurses in different settings to learn which ones hold the most appeal.

Gain experience through externship or internship programs.

Take electives in areas such as wellness, holistic health, medical ethics, and death and dying.

Get involved in student organizations and seek leadership roles.

Learn to be organized and to manage stress well.

Develop patience, the ability to work with both patients and families for long periods, and good listening skills. Learn to work effectively with people from different cultures, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Prepare to work nights, weekends, and holidays in a hospital setting.

Cultivate managerial skills for head nurse or other supervisory positions.

Sub-Area:

Employers:

Strategies & Information:

Work in other practices for five to ten years to gain the necessary experience.

Develop good communication skills and the ability to make important decisions quickly.

Earn the Telehealth Nurse Cerfitication.

Area:

Nursing Research

Sub-Area:

Employers:

Large hospitals and medical centers

Colleges and universities

Centers for nursing research

National Institute for Nursing

Pharmaceutical companies

Strategies & Information:

Gain experience with research through supervised independent study or class projects.

Develop curiosity, analytical thinking, attention to detail, persistence, good writing skills, and an understanding of statistics.

Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations.

Obtain a doctoral degree in nursing.

Area:

Education

Sub-Area:

Teaching

Educational Administration

Employers:

Teaching hospitals

Colleges and universities

Schools of nursing

Strategies & Information:

Develop patience, sensitivity to the needs of young adults as well as patients, and the ability to accept responsibility for the actions of others.

Take courses in the principles and practices of teaching.

Earn an advanced degree to teach at the college or university level.

Gain experience in public speaking.

Area:

International Health

Sub-Area:

Clinical Nursing

Emergency Relief

Policy Development

Employers:

Embassies

Military bases

National or international government agencies

Non-governmental organizations

Humanitarian organizations

Private voluntary organizations

Church-related mission services

World Health Organization

Strategies & Information:

Consider advanced education as a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner to be more marketable.

Learn a foreign language and an appreciation for other cultures. Study or volunteer abroad.

Participate in medical mission trips.

Inquire about the need for additional preparation in religious studies or similar courses.

Research nursing requirements in other countries.

Area:

Other Areas

Sub-Area:

Insurance:

Underwriting and Claims

Sales

Product Management

Quality Assurance

Writing

Law

Forensic Nursing

Healthcare Administration

Information Management

Patient Advocacy

Case Management

Employers:

Insurance companies

Hospitals

Health maintenance organizations

Business and industry:

Pharmaceutical companies

Medicalequipment and supplies manufacturers

Medical marketing firms

Law firms

Medical and health publications

Healthcare websites

Healthcare advertising agencies

Public relations firms

Professional associations

Strategies & Information:

Combine interest in nursing and healthcare with another field by earning appropriate graduate degrees or gaining relevant experience.

Minor in business or communications as an undergraduate.

Develop strong computer skills and an understanding of business practices.

Gain experience as a staff nurse before taking expertise in another direction.

Demonstrate initiative and effective leadership.

Get involved with relevant professional associations.

General Information and Strategies

Nursing is the largest healthcare field. Three out of five nurses work in hospitals. Many nurses work part-time.

Nursing combines science and technology with the desire to help people. One must enjoy helping people of all types and backgrounds.

Nursing requires both physical stamina and emotional stability. Nurses must be able to follow orders and direct others.

Other qualities important to the field include orientation to detail, sympathy and concern, responsibility, and the ability to handle stress and emergency situations.

There are multiple educational paths to acquire the Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree and the Registered Nurse (RN) designation. Research alternatives such as accelerated BSN programs or Master's Entry programs.

All states regulate nursing by requiring licensure. Investigate individual state requirements if planning to relocate.

Earn a master's degree to prepare for advanced practice nursing including: clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and administration. Earn a doctoral degree for research or teaching at a university.

Many opportunities outside of traditional nursing exist for RN's who want to work in non-clinical roles. Research the skills, experiences, and degrees necessary to attain these positions.